A research team has induced a re-association of the right thumb with a virtual left arm through visuo-motor synchronization in a virtual environment. The study contributes to understanding body schemes of augmented humans and their limitations. Body-part re-association may be applied to developing functional prosthesis and embodied tools.
SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 19, 2020
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that homeless patients admitted with a heart attack often received less treatment, had longer hospital stays, and were more likely to be readmitted. These patients also faced unique challenges due to high rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and HIV infections.
SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 19, 2020
A new consensus statement offers UTI treatment recommendations to reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment, while protecting against antimicrobial resistance. The statement aims to help healthcare providers diagnose, treat, and prevent UTIs in PALTC residents, who face increased risks of bacterial colonization and infection.
SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers studied vampire bat behavior, finding that social grooming and food sharing can build trust among unrelated bats to form long-lasting bonds. This cooperation is crucial for survival, as vampire bats must rely on each other for blood meals or risk starvation.
A rare case of a giant right atrial myxoma with dual blood supply from the left and right coronary arteries was reported. The tumor was successfully excised via open-heart surgery, with no recurrence during a 3-year follow-up.
SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 19, 2020
A Phase II study found pembrolizumab to be effective in treating four rare cancer types with acceptable toxicity profiles. The treatment resulted in a median non-progression rate of 28% at 27 weeks, with complete response rates varying between 31-43% for each cancer type.
SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateMar 19, 2020
New research from McGill University predicts a significant increase in Arctic sea ice movement by mid-century, leading to more widespread pollutant transport between neighboring countries. Thinner, faster-moving ice can carry pollutants and microplastics, posing a threat to Arctic waters.
A research team of physicists and chemists from Kiel University mimicked self-assembly processes to fabricate various patterns of controllable sizes, including the largest structures reported so far. They developed a model of intermolecular forces driving the self-assembly, enabling control over pattern size.
SourceKiel University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 19, 2020
Death rates from metastatic melanoma dropped by nearly 18 percent between 2013 and 2016, thanks to new therapies that harness the immune system or target specific gene mutations. These advances in treatment have led to the largest yearly declines in deaths due to melanoma ever recorded.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers at Texas A&M University have successfully harnessed bacteria's ability to create peptides with noncanonical amino acids, enabling the expansion of phage display libraries. This new method paves the way for new peptide-based therapeutics in cancer and other human diseases.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2020
This special issue of Neurochemical Research honors Vittorio Gallo's groundbreaking research on glutamate neurotransmission, including his development of cerebellar granule cell cultures and biochemical assays. Gallo's work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of neural development and regeneration.
SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNeurochemical Research·DateMar 19, 2020
A study by Tohoku University researchers demonstrates that motor synergy emerges in robotic agents using deep reinforcement learning, enabling improved motor performance and energy consumption
SourceTohoku University·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers have identified two crucial surface proteins, SpyAD and Isp2, that contribute to Group A streptococcus fitness in the female genital tract. This discovery may lead to the development of effective treatments and vaccines for puerperal sepsis.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMar 19, 2020
Simon Fraser University researchers have developed a novel method for detecting individual molecules of RNA within a living cell using the Mango system. This technology, which involves binding fluorescent dyes to specific RNA sequences, enables faster and more efficient detection of pathogens like the coronavirus.
SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2020
The Hayabusa2 spacecraft impacted asteroid Ryugu, creating an artificial crater that provided insights into the asteroid's age and surface cohesion. The results suggest a younger age estimate for Ryugu, with implications for surface age estimations of other rubble-pile asteroids.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers studied vampire bat social dynamics in captivity and found that trust builds over time through grooming and smaller mutual investments. Almost 15% of unfamiliar female adult bats formed food-sharing relationships after 15 months together, suggesting that even strangers can develop strong bonds.
SourceOhio State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers demonstrate chip-based devices that enable secure quantum key exchange over long distances, reducing size and power needs while maintaining high-speed performance. The new platform facilitates citywide networks and will eventually support complex communication protocols.
A comprehensive analysis of 929 human genomes provides unprecedented detail of our genetic history, highlighting the complexity of human evolution and its impact on disease susceptibility. The study identifies millions of previously unknown DNA variations that may influence susceptibility to different diseases.
SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2020
A study published in Scientific Reports found that opening plastic packaging can generate small amounts of microplastics. The researchers monitored the generation of microplastics during tasks such as tearing open plastic bags and bottles, finding that different shapes and sizes of microplastics were produced.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 19, 2020
Children with COVID-19 can play a major role in disease transmission, even if they appear asymptomatic. Researchers are working to understand how the virus affects kids and develop strategies to minimize transmission from children to others.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers from China and Australia introduce the O-FIB technique, enabling high-resolution nano-writing in solid materials. The method uses far-field-induced near-field breakdown for direct nanowriting, achieving resolutions as low as sub-20 nm.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers have developed a portable AI-powered surveillance device called FluSense that analyzes coughing sounds and crowd size to predict flu-like illnesses and trends. The device collects over 350,000 thermal images and 21 million audio samples from university clinic waiting rooms.
Domiciled feeding studies have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of dietary influences on health by providing controlled and standardized environments. By minimizing participant variability, these studies can elucidate complex interactions between diet changes, microbiota, and host physiology.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2020
A Cornell University study re-dates Native American sites in the Mohawk Valley, revealing a more accurate historical timeline based on maize dating and statistical modeling. The findings challenge previous assumptions about trade practices and European contact.
A recent NIH study has found that a significant proportion of children with osteosarcoma carry genetic variants associated with increased cancer risk. The researchers identified harmful or likely harmful variants in over a quarter of patients, highlighting the importance of genetic testing and screening for family members.
SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers discovered a new mechanism of optical gain in two-dimensional materials that requires only extremely low input power. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of energy-efficient photonic devices, potentially reducing the need for high electrical power.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 19, 2020
A new study analyzes human bones from medieval cemeteries to shed light on ancient copper cookware. Researchers found that people consumed tiny portions of copper daily, with cities like Ribe using copper pots for 1000 years.
SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalHeritage·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers have developed a mini movie theater to measure the color spectrum visible to fiddler crabs, revealing their ability to discriminate between different wavelengths of light. The device uses blue and green light-emitting diodes and tilted screens to stimulate the crabs' reaction.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers developed guidelines for giraffe translocations to ensure long-term population viability, including ideal group composition and decision-making processes. A founding population of 30 females and 3 males is recommended for initial translocations, while larger groups can be used to maintain genetic diversity.
SourcePenn State·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateMar 19, 2020
Low serum vaspin levels are associated with coronary artery stenosis, while plasma concentration reflects possible endothelial dysfunction in CAD patients and correlates with disease severity. Vaspin also associates with metabolic syndrome and obesity parameters.
SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 19, 2020
A new study by an international team of scientists reveals that the Cambrian Explosion was driven by abundant ecological opportunity early in life history. The researchers found that complex features become burdened by their own complexity, limiting evolutionary innovation. This discovery clarifies evolution and development during the ...
SourceUniversity of West Georgia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers have developed a high-speed microscope that can image the brain of an alert mouse 1,000 times a second, capturing millisecond electrical pulses through neurons. This technique allows neuroscientists to track sub-threshold inputs and identify transmission problems associated with disease.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers have developed a chip-based device that can shape and steer blue light with no moving parts, paving the way for miniaturized optical systems in augmented reality and other applications. The device's silicon nitride platform enables reconfigurable lenses to create arbitrary 3D light patterns.
Researchers have developed antineutrino detection technology to monitor nuclear reactors and detect plutonium production, providing high-level assurances of treaty compliance. The technology has potential applications in near-field and far-field monitoring, as well as verifying treaty compliance by tracking spent fuel.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateMar 19, 2020
A team of astronomers led by Nahum Arav has discovered the most energetic outflows ever witnessed in the universe, which tear across interstellar space like cosmic tsunamis. These quasar outflows accelerate material to breathtaking velocities, carrying hundreds of solar masses of material each year and pushing galaxies' formation forward.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateMar 19, 2020
Serum irisin is linked to various metabolic markers and may be a promising treatment for conditions like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Recent studies suggest irisin's pathogenesis plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis.
SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 19, 2020
Research by RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research identifies ATF7 as essential for intergenerational effects on metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. The study found that a male mouse's diet influences the health of future children through epigenetic changes in sperm cells.
A new study found that the protein peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) promotes breast cancer metastasis in mice when expressed in cancer cells. PAD4 enables immune cells to trap bacteria, but its role in breast cancer has been unclear.
SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateMar 19, 2020
Scientists create two innovative AST methods that can assess a pathogen's sensitivity to beta-lactams in just 30 minutes, targeting top CDC priorities. New phenotypic tests quantify small changes in nucleic acids after antibiotic exposure.
Researchers developed a method to engineer specific populations of neurons to manufacture electronic-tissue composites within living cells. This approach enables targeted use of electrical fields for therapeutic applications, such as pain relief and tissue regeneration.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers found that evolution can select for loner behavior in slime molds, which could provide an ecological insurance plan to ensure the survival of collective behavior. The study suggests that having some individuals stay out of the swarm may be part of the strategy of this organism.
SourcePrinceton University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 19, 2020
The Organs-on-Chips platform provides human-relevant disease modeling and studies to gain insights related to new drug modalities and disease mechanisms. Researchers can use the platform to assess safety risks and make informed decisions throughout the drug discovery and development process.
A Boston College-led team developed a graphene field effect transistor (G-FET) that selectively identifies deadly bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. The rapid detection platform employs peptides to capture specific bacteria, allowing for fast and accurate diagnosis.
SourceBoston College·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMar 19, 2020
Rates of deaths related to hypertension have risen sharply across the US, with a 72% increase in rural areas and a 20% increase in urban areas. High blood pressure can cause damage to arteries and lead to events such as heart attacks or strokes, emphasizing the importance of taking it seriously.
Researchers found six substances with a strong link to bladder cancer in the urine of e-cigarette users, including carcinogens from combustion products and other tobacco products. The study's findings suggest that vaping may expose users to carcinogens similar to those found in cigarette smoke.
SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalEuropean Urology Oncology·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers found a parasite from opossums infecting sea otters along the West Coast, with infected otters in British Columbia's northern Vancouver Island. The study suggests pathogens can travel long distances via water runoff and prey species like clams.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers at North Carolina State University have demonstrated that composite metal foams can withstand extreme temperatures, passing the simulated pool fire test with flying colors. The material's performance was predicted using a model developed by the team, which showed accurate results within 10 degrees Celsius.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Thermal Sciences·DateMar 19, 2020
A new study by UCL and Harvard researchers found that halving warming by adding aerosols to the stratosphere could moderate important climate hazards in almost all regions, with only a small fraction experiencing increased climate change. The approach should be considered as a complementary measure to emissions cuts.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 19, 2020
New research suggests that statin therapy may protect against heart damage caused by certain breast cancer therapies. A population-based study found a significantly lower risk of treatment-related heart failure among women taking statins while receiving anthracyclines or trastuzumab.
A new study found that a novel peptide antagonist given in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor is safe and well-tolerated in patients with advanced, refractory pancreatic and rectal cancer. The highest dose tested resulted in no adverse events leading to the recommendation for use in future trials.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Pancreatic Cancer·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers discovered hundreds of fossilized rodent pellets at La Brea Tar Pits, dating back ~50,000 years. The find provides a unique glimpse into the past climate and ecosystems of Ice Age Los Angeles.
SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 19, 2020
A meta-analysis of 58 studies involving over 7,500 students found that seductive details can lower learning outcome measures. The analysis suggests that students' attention is diverted towards irrelevant information, leading to decreased performance. However, good details can still engage students if they are pertinent to the topic.
SourceWashington State University·JournalEducational Psychology Review·DateMar 19, 2020
A recent investigation found that approximately one-third of people with heart failure are not being screened for iron deficiency, leading to avoidable hospital stays and increased costs. The study estimates that this undermanagement results in an additional £21.5 million per year spent on managing co-morbid patients.
SourceCello Health Communications·JournalOpen Heart·DateMar 19, 2020
Scientists demonstrate multi-nanosecond lasing at room temperature using novel direct-indirect semiconductor heterostructures. The novel material structure and high-quality cavity contribute to a low lasing threshold of just 6uJ/cm^2.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 19, 2020
Researchers found that white men between 30 and 39 are most at risk of fatal overdoses, followed by black men ages 30 to 39. The study identified 12 clusters or hot zones across Ohio where opiate-related mortalities are highest.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 19, 2020
A research team, including Penn State and Microbiotix, aims to develop a novel oral antibiotic targeting the trans-translation pathway of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The project has received $2.86M in funding from CARB-X to optimize and develop a new compound into an effective treatment for drug-resistant gonorrhea.
Two research collections showcase new tools using genetic analysis and geospatial technology to detect and track invasive species. The collections provide insights into the practical implications of these innovative solutions for improved management of invasive species.
SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateMar 19, 2020
A team of scientists has developed a nature-inspired design for artificial photosynthesis, capable of generating large sources of renewable energy using CO2. The system consists of nanoscale tubes that mimic the structure of living photosynthetic cells, allowing for efficient conversion of sunlight into fuel.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 19, 2020
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a way to turn pollen into soft and flexible microgel particles, which could serve as building blocks for new eco-friendly materials. The resulting pollen-based particles show promise for applications such as wound dressing, prosthetics, and implantable electronics.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2020
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that organizational supports for nurse practitioners enhance their ability to deliver patient-centered care. NPs working in good practice environments were more likely to integrate patient preferences into care compared to those in mixed or poor environments.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalThe Journal for Nurse Practitioners·DateMar 19, 2020